Election Day has arrived in Coral Gables, where three commission seats—including the mayoralty—are on the ballot and the city’s political trajectory hangs in the balance.
According to unofficial turnout figures, 1,159 voters cast ballots at the Coral Gables Library on Saturday, April 5, followed by 1,369 on Sunday, April 6. Early voting drew a steady stream of residents, met by campaign staff and candidates eager to connect with constituents one last time before the polls close.
Outside the library, the political dynamics were as visible as the candidates themselves. Supporters and volunteers formed informal camps, with the west side of the entrance largely occupied by incumbent Mayor Vince Lago, Vice Mayor Rhonda Anderson, and commission candidate Richard Lara. On the east side stood Commissioner and mayoral challenger Kirk Menendez, alongside commission candidates Felix Pardo and Tom Wells.
Mayoral hopeful Michael Abbott, a political newcomer, was also present—frequently waving an American flag as he greeted voters. Commission candidate Claudia Miro made appearances throughout the weekend, moving between both groups and appearing unaffiliated with either faction.
Current Commissioners Melissa Castro and Ariel Fernandez, both elected in 2023, were also seen outside the polling station on Saturday. Notably, they spent time with the Menendez, Pardo, and Wells camps. Since taking office, both have regularly clashed with Mayor Lago on key votes, aligning more often with Menendez in a shift that has reshaped the tone and direction of the city commission.
The 2025 election has underscored deepening political divisions in Coral Gables and raised questions about the city’s future leadership and governance. With incumbents and challengers staking out sharply different positions on development, preservation, and civic priorities, voters now have their say.
For more information on the candidates platforms and views, as well as the elections, click here and here.
Author: Coral Gables Gazette News Staff
Originally established in 1996 and relaunched as a digital publication in February 2025, the Coral Gables Gazette is an independent local news organization dedicated to factual, objective and accountable community journalism. Our newsroom reports on the people, policies, institutions and events shaping Coral Gables, Florida, providing residents with timely, informative coverage of the issues affecting their community. Our reporting includes City Hall, local government, municipal elections, public spending, real estate development, business, education, arts and culture, and neighborhood affairs throughout the City Beautiful. We follow City Commission decisions, examine public records and report on the businesses, organizations and individuals contributing to Coral Gables. We believe informed residents are essential to a healthy, engaged community. Stories published under the Coral Gables Gazette News Staff byline are prepared or compiled by the publication's editorial team. We strive for accuracy, fairness, transparency and clear distinctions between news reporting, opinion and advertising. Readers are encouraged to submit news tips, corrections, editorial inquiries and story suggestions through our Contact page and learn more about our standards through our Editorial Policy.
